#Japan #UNESCO #Tokyo #L'Oréal #Women Researchers

Empowering Future Female Scientists: The 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Japan Prize

The L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Program has been instrumental in supporting female researchers worldwide. On this year's World Science Day for Peace and Development, L'Oréal Japan announced the call for applications for the 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Japan Prize, which will open from November 10, 2025, to February 27, 2026.

Understanding the Award

Launched in collaboration with the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO in 2005, this prestigious award supports women under 40 who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a Ph.D. program in Japan, specifically in the life sciences or materials sciences. Each year, four female researchers are selected, two from each field. Recipients receive a certificate and a scholarship of 1 million yen (approximately $9,300) to aid them in their research endeavors.

The impact of this prize is profound, having helped numerous female scientists gain recognition, including those honored in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2024.

Application Details

Key Dates: The application period will run from November 10, 2025, to February 27, 2026.

Eligibility: The program targets women under 40 who are either currently enrolled or are about to enroll in a Ph.D. program in Japan.

Application Process: Interested candidates must send an email to the award office at [email protected], including their application documents in a password-protected folder. Those whose files exceed 10 MB are advised to utilize file transfer services recommended by their institutions.

Required Documentation:
1. Application Form
2. Letter of Recommendation from a supervisor
3. Summary of past research
4. Future research plans for the next year and their vision
5. List of published papers
6. Reprints of relevant articles

The office will confirm receipt of documents within a week, excluding the holiday period from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026. For further details on the application requirements, visit L'Oréal Japan Women in Science Award.

Selection Process

The selection consists of two stages: the first stage involves document screening, and the second includes interviews. A thorough evaluation will be conducted by the selection committee, with results communicated by mid-2026. An award ceremony will follow to honor the recipients.

L'Oréal’s Commitment to Science

Since its inception in 1909 by French chemist Eugène Schueller, L'Oréal has embedded scientific research and product development at its core. The belief that “the world needs science and science needs women” drives their commitment to empowering women in science. Since the establishment of the global L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award in 1998, this program has awarded over 4,700 female scientists across more than 140 countries, with a significant number of them achieving notable recognition, including Nobel Laureates.

In Japan, the statistics reflect a significant rise in female researchers, reaching an all-time high of 183,300 or 18.3% of all researchers. Yet, there remains a disparity in comparison to international standards. L'Oréal Japan continues to uphold diversity in science as crucial for realizing a sustainable world. Previous awardees have achieved acclaim for their work and continue to pave diverse career pathways, balancing research with life events and nurturing the next generation of talents.

Conclusion

The L'Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Japan Prize stands as a beacon for young female scientists, fostering both individual growth and broader gender equity in scientific fields. As applications for the 2026 award approach, there is a call for aspiring women researchers to seize this opportunity to contribute to science and society at large.